SERDANG, 1st July – The Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP), UPM had organized a community program of Agropreneur Farm Management & Skills Development Training: Melon to Million under the People's Income Initiative (IPR) scheme together with KMK Agro Global Sdn Bhd. This program is fully sponsored by the Melaka State Government under the portfolio of Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security focusing on a two-pronged strategy to increase the people's income and at the same time try to solve economic problems through one of the IPR initiatives which is agriculture. This program targets the cultivation of Rock Melon as one of the valuable commercial crops with high demand in the local and global markets. 

According to the Melaka State Agricultural Development and Food Security Exco, YB. Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, this program is a joint venture between the Melaka State Government and the Federal Government together with Universiti Putra Malaysia and KMK Agro Global Sdn Bhd to help a total of 100 participants to cultivate rock melon plants in selected farms around Melaka. Participants who follow this program will get theoretical training at UPM with trained instructors followed by full practical training at the Banting rock melon farm for 10-12 weeks. Participants have the opportunity to plant 1000 rock melon seedlings themselves and then enjoy the results of their rock melon sales.

Throughout the organization of the program, participants were exposed to knowledge related to farm management including aspects of land management and fertilization, pest and tree disease control, farm mechanization and post-harvest technology, and business management. Participants were also had a chance to visit several rock melon farm location in UPM, namely Agrotech Farm, Putra Agricultural Center and Biorefinery Complex, UPM to learn more on the agricultural products resulting from UPM research.

Meanwhile, the representative of the participants, Mr. Saharudin Ab. Rashid said this is a systematically planned program that can help smallholders manage farm better through the sharing of various knowledge that is useful to practice while on the farm later.

The organization of this program coincides with the intention of rebranding UPM through "PUTRA: Agriculture for the People" to increase agricultural development activities through various training, education, and research programs for local smallholders that can contribute in improving the quality of life and economic development of the community.

Date of Input: 30/07/2024 | Updated: 30/07/2024 | ainzubaidah